Superfast broadband

And she said that BT’s multi million pound investment in technologies, such as superfast broadband, could be just the start of the “communications revolution” in Wales.

The former pupil of Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, Llanrwst, said: “A huge amount has already been achieved in Wales. High-speed fibre broadband is now available to about eight out of ten Welsh households and businesses and the number is continuing to grow rapidly – but much remains to be done.”

“As one of Wales’ largest private sector employers and investors, BT is committed to making superfast broadband as widely and quickly available as possible through its own multi million pound investments and by working with public sector partners, such as the Welsh Government.

BT in Wales

250

Jobs created by BT in Wales since 2013

£205m

Welsh Government funding for Superfast Cymru

96

Percentage goal for premises in Wales with access to fast fibre broadband by 2016

BT in Wales

“This high-speed technology is already providing major benefits for the businesses and households of Wales and even more exciting technologies are emerging, as demonstrated by our trial of ‘ultrafast’ technology in Swansea, which can deliver the kind of speeds that far outstrip even superfast broadband.

“These are very exciting times, but in many respects we are only at the start of this journey. I am determined to ensure that Wales is able to benefit fully from the resources, innovation and investment of BT, one of the world’s leading communications companies.”

A large corporate

BT is trialling ultrafast broadband in Swansea

As the director for BT Cymru Wales, she will oversee the business that employs nearly 3,000 in Wales, working closely with every part of the organisation and leading the BT Cymru Wales board.

Until recently, she successfully led the engagement and communication activity for BT’s recent human resources transformation programme in the UK and across 71 counties globally.

She added: “Becoming director for BT Cymru Wales is a wonderful opportunity. I’ve spent a number of years working for BT, but this has primarily been outside Wales. This is where my heart is so it’s great to be ‘coming home’ at such an exciting time.

“BT is a key part of Wales. We provide vital services and investment for every Welsh community no matter how big or small, spend nearly £200m every year with local suppliers provide employment for thousands of people as well as, of course, being a major supporter of regional rugby in Wales.

“What’s clear to me is that in one way or another a high percentage of people living in Wales will come into contact with BT.

I want to ensure that they have a positive impression of the company – no matter what that contact is - and that we continue to play an integral part in the digital revolution that’s currently taking place across the country.”

Career path

A fluent Welsh speaker, Ms Williams joined BT in 1996 as a member of the Welsh Language Bureau in Colwyn Bay. She then spent over ten years in Cardiff – initially joining the BT Cymru Wales corporate communications team and later developing her career in communications and change management.

While working for BT she graduated ith a first class honours degree in leadership and management from the Open University in 2014 and is currently working towards a masters in executive coaching with Ashridge Business School.

She lives in Connah’s Quay and will divide her time between north and south Wales in her new role, starts as the new director for BT Cymru Wales on September 21.

MD view

Announcing her appointment, Brendan Dick, managing director of BT Regions, said: “Alwen has a fantastic track record of delivery so we’re delighted to have her on board in this key role.

“In a relatively short space of time she’s worked her way up to from joining BT straight after leaving school to now heading up BT in Wales. That’s testimony to her hard work, determination and ability.

"But I also think it reflects positively on how we develop and nurture talent in BT.

“Her predecessor, Ann Beynon, did a marvellous job not only for BT but also for Wales. I’m confident that as another passionate and committed Welsh woman in business, Alwen will, in her own way, have the same positive impact.”